Fridolin Ambongo Besungu

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Ambongo's career is marked by historic firsts and significant responsibilities. As Archbishop of Kinshasa, he oversees the archdiocese with the largest number of Catholics on the African continent. He is the only African member of the Council of Cardinals, a key advisory body to the pope. His election as president of SECAM in 2023 made him the de facto spokesman for all of Africa's Catholic bishops. In 2025, he was a leading candidate for the papacy, a testament to his influence and the growing importance of Africa in the Catholic Church.

Fridolin Ambongo Besungu receiving an award

AwardsAmbongo's honors are ecclesiastical rather than entertainment or cultural awards. His most significant distinction came in 2019 when Pope Francis created him a cardinal, the highest rank in the Catholic Church after the papacy. In 2023, he was elected president of SECAM, representing all African bishops' conferences, a position of immense influence. These roles reflect his standing as a leading figure in the global Church.

Honours & Distinctions

Cardinal-Priest

Pope Francis·2019

Created cardinal with the titular church of San Gabriele Arcangelo all'Acqua Traversa.

President of SECAM

Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar·2023

Elected president, representing all African bishops' conferences.

Rankings & Lists

#Top contender

Papabile (papal candidate)

Conclavoscope·2025

Records & Feats

Only African member of the Council of Cardinals

Historic First·2020

Since 2020, Ambongo has been the sole African cardinal on Pope Francis's advisory council.

Leading papal candidate in 2025 conclave

Career Milestone·2025

Following Pope Francis's death, Ambongo was considered a top contender to become the first African pope in over 1,500 years.